The Philippine energy sector remains optimistic about renewable energy growth in the region, despite the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement, officials said at an industry forum.
“I look at this as an opportunity for the region to flourish in renewable energy,” said Rowena Guevara, Undersecretary at the Department of Energy, speaking at the Asia Renewable Energy Forum 2025 organized by Asia CEO Events.
“We can have partnerships among us, and we do have leaders in Asia like China, Japan, Korea, and India already leading the RE market,” said Guevara.
Guevara said that despite the US decision, she had received assurances of continued US investment in Philippine renewable energy projects.
US President Donald Trump signed an order in January 2025 withdrawing the US from the Paris climate agreement.
Oliver Tan, president of Citicore Renewable Energy Corp. (CREC), said US investments in energy transition had been “flattish” even before Trump’s second term. He expressed confidence that investors would continue to see the Philippines as a viable renewable energy destination.
“At the end of the day, smart money will eventually find its way to areas where there’s a compelling investment thesis. And the Philippines today is a very compelling investment thesis,” Tan said.